VAUXHALL Motors in Ellesmere Port has been shortlisted for the North West Manufacturer of the Year Award.

The Manufacturing Institute is presenting the top regional title for the first time this year as the crowning glory of its annual awards competition.

The Vauxhall plant, which manufactures and assembles the new Astra, has been chosen as a finalist in the category for showing the greatest commitment to developing people.

It is one of four categories, with the others being the biggest productivity impact, continuous development and success through innovation, and one overall winner will be chosen as the champion of manufacturing excellence in the North West.

Nigel Allen, planning manager at the North Road plant, said: 'We are very pleased that our achievements have been recognised by being shortlisted for this prestigious award. It is a real tribute to the efforts of all our employees.'

The award scheme was open to companies of all sizes and different industry sectors from across the North West and attracted a high standard of entries.

Mike Price, director of operations at the Manufacturing Institute, chaired the judging panel and said it had faced a difficult task in selecting the final shortlist.

'The quality and breadth of entries demonstrates how far North West manufacturers are driving through productivity improvements to increase competitiveness,' he said.

The winning companies will be revealed at a dinner in Manchester hosted by the Manufacturing Institute on November 18.

As well as a crystal trophy for the top title, category award winners will share prizes totalling £25,000 in training for manufacturing team leaders, shop-floor employees and managers on programmes run by the Manufacturing Institute.